Which disease is associated with hypoglycemia?

Von Gierke's disease, also known as glycogen storage disease type I, is associated with hypoglycemia due to the body's inability to convert glycogen into glucose effectively. This genetic disorder affects the liver's ability to release glucose into the bloodstream because of a deficiency in the enzyme glucose-6-phosphatase. As a result, patients often experience severe episodes of hypoglycemia, particularly during fasting, since their bodies cannot adequately mobilize stored glycogen when blood glucose levels drop. Managing this condition typically involves regular feeding and specific dietary measures to maintain blood glucose levels.

In contrast, diabetes mellitus is usually characterized by hyperglycemia due to insufficient insulin action or inadequate insulin production, making hypoglycemia an occasional concern mostly when insulin or diabetic medications cause blood sugar to drop. Cushing's syndrome is marked by excess cortisol production, contributing to elevated blood sugar levels, while hypopituitarism, a condition resulting from decreased hormone production by the pituitary gland, might lead to various metabolic complications but does not directly result in hypoglycemia.